Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
EMDR Therapy
Support when past experiences still feel present.
Attachment-Focused EMDR · EMDRIA Certified Therapist
Understanding EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy used to work through distressing memories and the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to them.
The goal is to help these experiences feel less overwhelming, so they have less influence on how you feel and respond in the present.
EMDR may be integrated into our ongoing therapy or offered as focused work alongside therapy with another provider. If you already have a therapist, we’ll discuss how to coordinate care with your permission.
What is Attachment-Focused EMDR?
Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR), developed by Laurel Parnell, is a relational and integrative approach to trauma therapy.
It builds on traditional EMDR by placing particular emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, developing internal resources, and understanding how early experiences and relationships may influence present-day patterns.
The work is tailored to your history, needs, and pace, with attention to helping you feel prepared and supported throughout the process.
The Therapy Process
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
We begin by discussing what brings you to therapy, your history, and what you’d like to feel different. Preparation includes developing strategies to manage distress and feel more grounded. You won’t be expected to begin processing painful memories immediately.
When you’re ready, we’ll identify an experience to focus on, including the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to it. Processing may involve guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as alternating taps.
We’ll check in throughout, and you can ask to pause or stop at any time. We also make time to close the session and discuss what may help between appointments.
I offer 45-minute and 90-minute EMDR sessions. We’ll discuss which format fits your needs.
When EMDR May Be Helpful
Sometimes you can understand why you feel a certain way but still struggle to change how you respond. You may recognize patterns in your relationships, know that you're no longer in a difficult situation, or have talked through an experience in therapy, yet find that certain emotions or reactions continue to surface.
You might notice:
Feeling emotionally triggered or reactive in relationships
Anxiety or overwhelm that feels difficult to manage
Persistent self-doubt, shame, or feelings of not being good enough
Distressing memories or emotional responses connected to trauma, medical experiences, or fertility treatment
EMDR may help you process experiences that continue to influence how you feel about yourself, others, and the world around you.
Reproductive Mental Health
EMDR for Fertility Treatment, Pregnancy Loss & Reproductive Trauma
Fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, difficult birth experiences, and other reproductive events can leave distress that continues after the experience itself. You may find yourself replaying moments, feeling overwhelmed by reminders, or bracing for something to go wrong.
I bring together specialized training in reproductive mental health and Attachment-Focused EMDR to help clients work through the emotional impact of these experiences. We may focus on a painful medical appointment, a moment of loss, a birth experience, or earlier memories connected to what you’re facing now.
There is room for grief, uncertainty, and mixed emotions throughout this work. Together, we’ll explore whether EMDR is appropriate for you and how it can fit into your broader support.
What We’re Working Toward
The goal of EMDR isn't to erase difficult memories, but to help them become less distressing and have less influence over your present life.
You may notice:
- Less emotional reactivity and overwhelm
- More self-compassion
- Increased confidence and trust in yourself
- Feeling more grounded, present, and connected in relationships
Progress looks different for everyone, and we'll regularly check in about what feels meaningful and helpful to you.
Let's connect.
If you’re curious whether this approach might be a good fit, a complimentary 15-minute consultation allows us to discuss questions you may have and get a sense of whether this approach feels aligned.
Schedule a Consultation